Domestic Abuse

Ofsted, Care Quality Commission (CQC), His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) have published a joint report looking at the multi-agency response to children who are at risk from, or are victims of, domestic abuse. The report sets out key findings from six joint targeted area inspections (JTAIs) in England. It focuses on unborn babies and children up to 7-years-old affected by domestic abuse, exploring: responses at the point of identification; assessment, planning and decision-making; protection and support; and prevention. The report highlights examples of good practice including support for unborn babies demonstrated by midwives and the involvement of schools and early years providers at a strategic level. However, it also finds that children’s experiences are inconsistent and they are not always recognised or supported as victims of domestic abuse in their own right. The inspectorates are calling for improved multi-agency working and information sharing.

Read the news story: Children not always recognised as domestic abuse victims in their own right, inspectorates warn

Read the report: The multi-agency response to children who are victims of domestic abuse

See also on NSPCC Learning: Protecting children from domestic abuse